Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation to a group of young men at Ernescliff College in Toronto, on December 9, 2023. The Gospel of Mark 10, 17-31 tells the account of the young man who presented himself to Jesus and asked what he must do to obtain eternal life. A challenging exchange ensued. To dig into this, we must have a deep understanding of what a vocation is. Here&#39;s one definition: &quot;The vocation is the providential thought of the Creator for each creature, it is his idea-plan, like a dream found in God&#39;s heart, because the creature is found in his heart. God the Father wants this to be different and specific for each living person.&quot;
Music: Komm, süsser Tod, BWV 478, Guitar arrangement by Bert Alink.
Thumbnail: Cyprien Tanguay (1819-1902) portrait by Antoine Plamondon, painted c. 1832, Quebec, Canada.

The Vocation to Opus Dei

When Job sees God he accepts God&apos;s plan and submits to his judgment.  In this life, our vision of God is always indirect and partial.  &quot;We see through a mirror dimly.&quot; It takes thus faith to trust in God&apos;s plan and his providence especially when things are difficult or go against us.  In this life, faith in God&apos;s promises substitutes for sight especially in moments when it is hard for us to understand God&apos;s ways. <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Walking by Faith

Jesús empieza su predicación hablando de la cercanía del Reino, y termina siendo llamado rey por Pilato, por los soldados romanos y por el buen ladrón. Jesús nos envía a expandir su Reino, a trabajar en su viña. El horizonte de nuestro apostolado no tiene límites: todos los hombres de todos los tiempos. San Josemaría nos desea la chifladura divina del celo por las almas.

2024-11-22 Esparce la semilla del Reino

Santa Teresa, la doctora de la oración, fue iluminada para percibir la relación de amor y cercanía con Jesús en la oración. La historia de su vida fue la historia de su oración, como debería ser también la nuestra. La historia de nuestra vida no será sino la historia de nuestra amistad con Jesucristo. La oración es un combate entre Dios y cada uno de nosotros, como el combate entre Jacob y Dios. En allá debemos estar dispuestos a ser vencidos en toda la línea.

2025-08-24 Historia de oración

We are redeemed by an act of love: specifically by Jesus&apos; willingness to suffer on our behalf. <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Lent - Day 39 Good Friday

La primera predicación de Jesús invita a hacer penitencia porque está cerca el reino de los cielos. Esa invitación podemos entenderla tanto en lo referente a la virtud de la penitencia como a las obras de penitencia. La virtud es el dolor del alma por los pecados cometidos, la contrición, el reconocimiento de que somos pecadores. Los actos de penitencia no solo nos purifican, sino que también son remedios aplicables a las necesidades de otros por la comunión de los santos.

2026-01-21 Virtud de la penitencia, actos de penitencia.

Doug begins the novena to Mary, Mother of Fairest love. He also shares how to build a strong foundation of communication in your marriage. &nbsp; Communication techniques <ol> <li>Active listening</li> <li>Mindful messaging</li> <li>Taking turns</li> <li>Use &ldquo;I&rdquo; statements</li> </ol>

Building a Foundation of Communication

Todos los matices de los amores de la tierra están reunidos en el amor de Jesús. Además, ese amor tiene el aroma de la eternidad, que da a los amores permanencia y eternidad. ¿Creo en ese amor? Quizá pueda amar muchísimo a un gran santo, pero ¿a mí? Si estoy lleno de miserias. Démosle ese voto de confianza: que creamos en su amor. Es la acción santificadora del Espíritu de amor que me ha sido donado.

2025-06-20 Sé que Jesús me ama

Los sábados queremos tratar a María con un cariño especial. La devoción a Ella es la más dulce y consoladora. Uno de los Prefacios de las Misas de la Santísima Virgen dice: “Es la Madre compasiva, cuida de los discípulos de su Hijo”. Compasiva, significa que padece-con. María padece, por ejemplo, nuestra pena de la frialdad interior y busca resolverla. Es una Madre llena de ternura que asiste solícita a todo aquel que la invoca.

2025-12-06 Sábados de María

Are you or your spouse struggling with pornography? Is pornography destroying your marriage? Today, Dann Aungst joins Doug discussing how pornography use harms marriages. They share how the increase in couples viewing pornography together leads to higher divorce rates and offer concrete solutions to overcome the scourge of pornography. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Ron - With all the porn around, why does anyone pay for it? Where does the money for this industry come from? (24:12)</li> <li>Doug helped my son before law school! My son graduated with honors. I want to give people hope. (28:21)</li> <li>Larry - I started a group where high school kids are helping teach other high school kids. How do I teach about this issue without sounding too preachy? (38:35)</li> <li>Rocco - Theology of the body is the best. (45:57)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Road to Purity <a href="https://roadtopurity.com/">https://roadtopurity.com/</a> &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a> &nbsp; Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a>

Freedom from Pornography

Jesus wants his joy to be in us and our joy to be full.  Sharing the joy of Jesus means sharing in his victory over sin and death on the cross.  Jesus receives a crown of glory and joy in heaven for his triumph.  We too will be crowned victors if we persevere joyfully in the Spiritual Olympics of life. <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Spiritual Olympics

Al asomarnos, en el Magníficat, al corazón de María, descubrimos su gozo en Dios, su salvador. La cercanía amorosa de Dios es fuente inagotable de alegría, aun en medio de las penas. Dios se alegra con nuestra alegría. Procuremos darle más motivos de alegría alegrándonos ante las cosas pequeñas que nos depara la vida.

2025-01-28 Amor y alegría

Jesús es luz, y con su luz llamó a los Magos a través de la estrella. El libro del Apocalipsis llama a Jesús “lucero de la mañana”: sigamos esa señalización única, intentando que nuestra vida se colme con su Presencia. El camino es largo y azaroso, pero confiemos: si alguna vez perdemos el rumbo, Él se conmoverá con nuestro deseo y volverá a manifestársenos muy pronto.

2025-01-04 Sigue la estrella de Jesús

Doug explores how lying affects marriages, how to respond, and ways to foster honesty. Listeners share personal experiences, including insights from a recovered liar and the impact of dementia on a spouse&rsquo;s truthfulness. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Junior &ndash; I am a reformed liar and want to share my perspective. Confession helped me realize you don&rsquo;t have to lie. (34:20)</li> <li>Paulette &ndash; My husband died from dementia and began lying years ago when he couldn&rsquo;t explain events. I now see his lying as a symptom of the disease. (44:08)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a> &nbsp; Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a> &nbsp;

Restoring Honesty in Marriage

La Resurrección de Jesús no solo lo afecta a Él, sino también a nosotros. Nos revela qué es el hombre, cuál es el designio de Dios para imitar a su Hijo no solo en esta vida, sino también en la futura. Viviremos con Aquel que ha resucitado, gozando también nuestra propia realidad de resucitados.

2025-04-20 Resucitados con Cristo

In this episode, Ashton Ellis discusses the true meaning of patriotism and gives suggestions for how dads can help foster it in children.


Podcast Production Services by NCC Audio - https://nccaudio.com

Episode 26: Patriotism

The holiday season is here, and with it comes stress and anxiety. Today on Marriage Unhindered, Dr. Johann D&rsquo;Souza joins Doug to discuss the concept of Optimal Work and how it can reduce anxiety in your life. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Deedee - If you lack prudence, do you end up with depression or anxiety? (24:05)</li> <li>Zizi - How do I let God take care of all my worries so I don't worry and stay up all night? (26:47)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Values First Therapy <a href="https://www.valuesfirsttherapy.com/">https://www.valuesfirsttherapy.com/</a> &nbsp;

Reducing anxiety during the holidays

Las unciones que hemos recibido en los sacramentos suponen una consagración, es decir, una afirmación de pertenecer a Dios que es exclusiva: hacer algo sagrado. Lo contrario sería la desacralización e incluso el sacrilegio. Afirmamos nuestro deseo de pertenecer al Sagrado Corazón del Señor, haciendo la ofrenda de nuestra vida.

2025-06-23 Consagrarse al Corazón de Jesús

#10MinuteswithJesus

** Put yourself in the presence of God. Try talking to Him.
** 10 minutes are 10 minutes. Even if you can get distracted, reach the end.
** Be constant. The Holy Spirit acts "on low heat" and requires perseverance.

10-Minute audio to help you pray.
Daily sparks to ignite prayer: a passage from the gospel, an idea, an anecdote and a priest who speaks with you and the Lord, inviting you to share your intimacy with God.
Find your moment, consider you are in His presence and click play.

26-12-25 Why St. Stephen Today (JG)

Take a moment before the Thanksgiving holiday to reflect with Fr. Luke Mata on the power of gratitude! Cultivating gratitude, especially during the holiday season, helps open our hearts to the grace and love that Our Lord wants to bestow upon us.We are so grateful for your continued prayers and support! Mary, Mother of Fairest Love, pray for us!

Thanksgiving Reflection from Fr. Luke Mata

The Christian&apos;s call to holiness is a mysterious reality.  How can we be holy when holiness is exclusive to God and underlines his transcendent otherness?  How can we be perfect who are obviously sinful and weak?  Only by possessing and being possessed by Christ is holiness possible for us.  Sanctity is to have him live in us through the sacraments, our prayer life, and our gradual imitation of his life and dispositions.   <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Holiness on Loan

En la primera lectura de la Misa de hoy, el profeta Daniel recoge la oración de Azarías, uno de los jóvenes a las órdenes de Nabucodonosor. Azarías suplica misericordia a Dios, ante el peligro de perder la vida: “Acepta nuestro corazón adolorido y nuestro espíritu humillado”, reza. En Cuaresma ofrezcamos un corazón deseoso de conversión, de sucesivas conversiones, sin permitir que el tiempo pase sin más.

2024-03-05 Martes de la tercera semana de Cuaresma: Conversión

Doug unpacks the difference between love and emotional connection. He shares what love is and how to reignite the emotional connection in your marriage through asking open ended questions, showing appreciation, and making a bids for connection. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Suzie - How do I respond to a husband who says 'I'm a guy and I don&rsquo;t talk about that', and he shuts down. What do I say to him? (40:57)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Building a strong emotional connection <ol> <li>Ask open-ended questions</li> <li>Show appreciation</li> <li>Make bids for connection</li> </ol> &nbsp; Recipe for success <ol> <li>Know your spouse&rsquo;s inner world</li> <li>Ask your spouse questions inviting them to be vulnerable</li> <li>Notice the positive and let your spouse know</li> <li>Look at your spouse when they make a bid for connection</li> <li>Make and respond to lots of bids for connection</li> </ol>

Love & Emotional Connection

En las inmediaciones de la Cuaresma, dispongamos nuestra alma. Vamos a cambiar de etapa, a vivir un tiempo de gracias nuevas, distintas. Y es preciso abrirnos, por la fe, a la seguridad de la eficacia que vendrá con ella. Comencemos a vivir más recogidamente, más desprendidos, con más austeridad. “El Señor, con los brazos abiertos, te pide una constante limosna de amor”, decía san Josemaría. Limosna de compañía, limosna de penitencia, limosna de preocupación por los demás.

2024-02-13 Prepara tu espíritu para la Cuaresma

¿Cómo querría Jesús que fuésemos? Él nos contestaría: quisiera que fueras misericordioso, manso y humilde, puro de corazón, que lloraras con las lágrimas salvadoras, que fueras pobre de espíritu… es decir, que te vieras en el espejo de las bienaventuranzas. Pensemos en la que habla de los que lloran: hay una tristeza buena, que procede del dolor de nuestros pecados y de la presencia de la cruz en nuestras vidas.

2024-07-07 Retrato de un cristiano

God is not indifferent to our suffering. He becomes one of us to share in it, and he leads us as a shepherd leads his flock. To be led from the death of sin into life requires us to know Our Lord's life very well, by reading the Gospel daily, and by living a life of prayer and sacrifice.
A meditation by Father Timothy Uhen.

Following the Good Shepherd

30-01-26 Toasters, Wheatfields, and Time (JB)

Es frecuente que en las biografías de los santos se resalte el impacto de alguna frase de la Escritura que fue para ellos determinante. El 7 de julio de 1931, san Josemaría recibe la iluminación sobre la frase de Jesús: “Cuando Yo sea levantado sobre la tierra, atraeré todo hacia Mí” (Jn 12, 32). Le supuso una luz para profundizar en el mensaje del Opus Dei: el Crucificado habría de ser puesto en la cumbre de las actividades humanas.

2025-01-27 Atraeré todo hacia Mí

Author and COO of the National Eucharistic Congress, Joel Stepanek, shares his insights on humility - a virtue we rarely talk about. Joel provides some helpful tips for growing in humility as a parent and teaching the virtue to our children.His book, Chasing Humility, can be found at: <a href="https://joelstepanek.com/books/chasing-humility/">https://joelstepanek.com/books/chasing-humility/</a>

Ep. 24 Chasing Humility with Joel Stepanek

15-07-26 When Will I Understand? (KDS)

Do the problems in your marriage seem insurmountable? Today, Doug continues his discussion on discouragement and despair in marriage. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Alexander - How do I convince my wife to become Catholic? (3:05)</li> <li>Colby - I want to recommend that Alexander looks into the Byzantine rite of the Catholic Church. (16:47)</li> <li>David - What do you do if you were raised in an all-male family and environment but you need to relate to your wife? (19:42)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Catholic Therapists <a href="https://catholictherapists.com/">https://catholictherapists.com/</a> &nbsp; Catholic Psychotherapy <a href="https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/">https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/</a>

Avoid the Trap of Discouragement (Part 2)

This meditation was preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Roseaire Conference Center in Delray Beach, Florida, on September 3, 2025. At the beginning of this annual course, we experience a feeling of appreciation, a sense of indebtedness and gratitude because God has wanted us here for something good. He has wanted something from my life. He wants all my heart, all my soul, all my mind.Like Gregory the Great (+603), today&#39;s memorial, we want to come out of this truly revamped and renewed. Give thanks because we will be filled with a new oil change, high standard oil, a time to reinvigorate our strength, time to rest, time to live fraternity and to be with Our Lord. Music: Michael Lee of Toronto.

Time for an Oil Change

We can make our own the petition of the apostles: "Lord, teach us how to pray." We need to renew our prayer life, because prayer is the true basis of conversion. Meditation by Father Henry Bocala.

Lord, Teach Us to Pray

On the feast of the Guardian Angels, Fr James Hurley meditates on devotion to angels.

30. Devotion to Angels

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the life and mission of St. Josemaria Escriva, describing him as an “envelope with terrific content,” a reference to his profound spiritual legacy. Fr. Peter focuses especially on St. Josemaria’s love for the Eucharist and how he transmitted that love to others. Listen now to reflect on:<ul><li>How St. Josemaria centered his life on the Eucharist, calling it the source of strength for Christian life and apostolate.</li><li>Why the laity, living in the middle of the world, are uniquely called to spread the Gospel.</li><li>The transformative power of ordinary life when lived in friendship with Christ and deep Eucharistic devotion.</li><li>How personal holiness doesn’t require extraordinary gifts but faithfulness in daily duties, love for the Mass, and love for others.</li><li>The legacy of St. Josemaria, especially as the “saint of the ordinary,” who reminds us that every Christian is called to be a saint where they are planted.</li></ul>Fr. Peter also shares personal anecdotes St. Josemaria&apos;s humility and fatherly love, offering a holy example and encouragement for us to also be witnesses of joy and humility in the world. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/St.-Josemaria-Escriva-An-Envelope-with-Terrific-Content-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/an-envelope-with-terrific-content/'>Visit Show Page</a> THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoy our weekly meditations, please consider helping us keep the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast ad-free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>